A member of the House of Representatives, Chinedu Ogah, has dismissed allegations of genocide against Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, describing the claims as false and misleading.
Ogah, who represents Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, made the remarks while addressing journalists at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said the governor has taken deliberate steps since assuming office in 2023 to address insecurity and long-standing communal disputes across the state.
The lawmaker was responding to claims by rights activist Mrs. Joy Idam, who accused Governor Nwifuru of committing genocide against the Amasiri community in Afikpo North Local Government Area following a protracted land dispute with a neighbouring community. The dispute has reportedly led to loss of lives and destruction of property.
Ogah insisted that the allegations were disconnected from realities on the ground, noting that the governor has demonstrated leadership in tackling insecurity and resolving communal conflicts.
“The allegation of genocide is completely false. The governor has worked tirelessly to ensure peace, stability, and development in Ebonyi State,” he said.
He explained that following renewed tensions in Amasiri, the governor constituted a panel to investigate the dispute and provide recommendations for implementation.
The imposition of a curfew and temporary school closures, according to Ogah, were necessary security measures to prevent further violence, and the curfew has since been relaxed as calm gradually returns.
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Ogah criticised Idam for being absent from the state for several years, arguing that she was not sufficiently informed to make such serious allegations.
He called on her to apologise to the governor and the people of Ebonyi State and urged her to visit the state to verify developments firsthand.
Highlighting achievements of the Nwifuru administration, Ogah cited youth scholarship programmes, infrastructure development, and inclusive governance.
He disclosed that about 400 Ebonyi youths are currently beneficiaries of overseas scholarships in the United Kingdom, including several from Amasiri, and pointed to ongoing construction of classroom blocks and security initiatives designed to strengthen grassroots peacebuilding efforts.
The lawmaker emphasised that temporary measures such as school closures and curfews were strategic responses to security concerns and intra-community clashes, not acts of persecution, and maintained that the governor’s approach to governance has prioritised unity and development across the state.